UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce

Transcription

1 UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce with Guide to Enactment 1996 with additional article 5 bis as adopted in 1998 UNITED NATIONS

2 UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce with Guide to Enactment 1996 with additional article 5 bis as adopted in 1998

3 UNITED NATIONS PUBLICATION Sales No. E.99.V.4 ISBN

4 UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce with Guide to Enactment 1996 with additional article 5 bis as adopted in 1998 UNITED NATIONS New York, 1999

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6 CONTENTS GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION 51/162 OF 16 DECEMBER Page UNCITRAL MODEL LAW ON ELECTRONIC COMMERCE Part one. Electronic commerce in general Chapter I. General provisions Article 1. Sphere of application Article 2. Definitions Article 3. Interpretation Article 4. Variation by agreement Chapter II. Application of legal requirements to data messages Article 5. Legal recognition of data messages Article 5 bis. Incorporation by reference Article 6. Writing Article 7. Signature Article 8. Original Article 9. Admissibility and evidential weight of data messages Article 10. Retention of data messages Chapter III. Communication of data messages Article 11. Formation and validity of contracts Article 12. Recognition by parties of data messages Article 13. Attribution of data messages Article 14. Acknowledgement of receipt Article 15. Time and place of dispatch and receipt of data messages. 11 Part two. Electronic commerce in specific areas Chapter I. Carriage of goods Article 16. Actions related to contracts of carriage of goods Article 17. Transport documents v

7 Paragraphs Page GUIDE TO ENACTMENT OF THE UNCITRAL MODEL LAW ON ELECTRONIC COMMERCE Purpose of this Guide I. Introduction to the Model Law A. Objectives B. Scope C. Structure D. A framework law to be supplemented by technical regulations E. The functional-equivalent approach F. Default rules and mandatory law G. Assistance from UNCITRAL secretariat II. Article-by-article remarks Part one. Electronic commerce in general Chapter I. General provisions Article 1. Sphere of application Article 2. Definitions Article 3. Interpretation Article 4. Variation by agreement Chapter II. Application of legal requirements to data messages Article 5. Legal recognition of data messages Article 5 bis. Incorporation by reference Article 6. Writing Article 7. Signature Article 8. Original Article 9. Admissibility and evidential weight of data Article 15. messages Article 10. Retention of data messages Chapter III. Communication of data messages Article 11. Formation and validity of contracts Article 12. Recognition by parties of data messages Article 13. Attribution of data messages Article 14. Acknowledgement of receipt Article 15. Time and place of dispatch and receipt of data Article 15. messages vi

8 Paragraphs Page Part two. Electronic commerce in specific areas Chapter I. Carriage of goods Article 16. Actions related to contracts of carriage of goods Article 17. Transport documents III. History and background of the Model Law vii

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10 Resolution adopted by the General Assembly [on the report of the Sixth Committee (A/51/628)] 51/162 Model Law on Electronic Commerce adopted by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law The General Assembly, Recalling its resolution 2205 (XXI) of 17 December 1966, by which it created the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law, with a mandate to further the progressive harmonization and unification of the law of international trade and in that respect to bear in mind the interests of all peoples, in particular those of developing countries, in the extensive development of international trade, Noting that an increasing number of transactions in international trade are carried out by means of electronic data interchange and other means of communication, commonly referred to as electronic commerce, which involve the use of alternatives to paper-based methods of communication and storage of information, Recalling the recommendation on the legal value of computer records adopted by the Commission at its eighteenth session, in 1985, 1 and paragraph 5(b) of General Assembly resolution 40/71 of 11 December 1985, in which the Assembly called upon Governments and international organizations to take action, where appropriate, in conformity with the recommendation of the Commission, 1 so as to ensure legal security in the context of the widest possible use of automated data processing in international trade, 1 See Official Records of the General Assembly, Fortieth Session, Supplement No. 17 (A/40/17), chap. VI, sect. B. 1

11 Convinced that the establishment of a model law facilitating the use of electronic commerce that is acceptable to States with different legal, social and economic systems, could contribute significantly to the development of harmonious international economic relations, Noting that the Model Law on Electronic Commerce was adopted by the Commission at its twenty-ninth session after consideration of the observations of Governments and interested organizations, Believing that the adoption of the Model Law on Electronic Commerce by the Commission will assist all States significantly in enhancing their legislation governing the use of alternatives to paper-based methods of communication and storage of information and in formulating such legislation where none currently exists, 1. Expresses its appreciation to the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law for completing and adopting the Model Law on Electronic Commerce contained in the annex to the present resolution and for preparing the Guide to Enactment of the Model Law; 2. Recommends that all States give favourable consideration to the Model Law when they enact or revise their laws, in view of the need for uniformity of the law applicable to alternatives to paper-based methods of communication and storage of information; 3. Recommends also that all efforts be made to ensure that the Model Law, together with the Guide, become generally known and available. 85th plenary meeting 16 December

12 UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce [Original: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish] Part one. Electronic commerce in general CHAPTER I. GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 1. Sphere of application* This Law** applies to any kind of information in the form of a data message used in the context*** of commercial**** activities. *The Commission suggests the following text for States that might wish to limit the applicability of this Law to international data messages: This Law applies to a data message as defined in paragraph (1) of article 2 where the data message relates to international commerce. **This Law does not override any rule of law intended for the protection of consumers. ***The Commission suggests the following text for States that might wish to extend the applicability of this Law: This Law applies to any kind of information in the form of a data message, except in the following situations: [...]. ****The term commercial should be given a wide interpretation so as to cover matters arising from all relationships of a commercial nature, whether contractual or not. Relationships of a commercial nature include, but are not limited to, the following transactions: any trade transaction for the supply or exchange of goods or services; distribution agreement; commercial representation or agency; factoring; leasing; construction of works; consulting; engineering; licensing; investment; financing; banking; insurance; exploitation agreement or concession; joint venture and other forms of industrial or business cooperation; carriage of goods or passengers by air, sea, rail or road. 3

13 Article 2. Definitions For the purposes of this Law: (a) Data message means information generated, sent, received or stored by electronic, optical or similar means including, but not limited to, electronic data interchange (EDI), electronic mail, telegram, telex or telecopy; (b) Electronic data interchange (EDI) means the electronic transfer from computer to computer of information using an agreed standard to structure the information; (c) Originator of a data message means a person by whom, or on whose behalf, the data message purports to have been sent or generated prior to storage, if any, but it does not include a person acting as an intermediary with respect to that data message; (d) Addressee of a data message means a person who is intended by the originator to receive the data message, but does not include a person acting as an intermediary with respect to that data message; (e) Intermediary, with respect to a particular data message, means a person who, on behalf of another person, sends, receives or stores that data message or provides other services with respect to that data message; (f) Information system means a system for generating, sending, receiving, storing or otherwise processing data messages. Article 3. Interpretation (1) In the interpretation of this Law, regard is to be had to its international origin and to the need to promote uniformity in its application and the observance of good faith. (2) Questions concerning matters governed by this Law which are not expressly settled in it are to be settled in conformity with the general principles on which this Law is based. Article 4. Variation by agreement (1) As between parties involved in generating, sending, receiving, storing or otherwise processing data messages, and except as 4

14 otherwise provided, the provisions of chapter III may be varied by agreement. (2) Paragraph (1) does not affect any right that may exist to modify by agreement any rule of law referred to in chapter II. CHAPTER II. APPLICATION OF LEGAL REQUIREMENTS TO DATA MESSAGES Article 5. Legal recognition of data messages Information shall not be denied legal effect, validity or enforceability solely on the grounds that it is in the form of a data message. Article 5 bis. Incorporation by reference (as adopted by the Commission at its thirty-first session, in June 1998) Information shall not be denied legal effect, validity or enforceability solely on the grounds that it is not contained in the data message purporting to give rise to such legal effect, but is merely referred to in that data message. Article 6. Writing (1) Where the law requires information to be in writing, that requirement is met by a data message if the information contained therein is accessible so as to be usable for subsequent reference. (2) Paragraph (1) applies whether the requirement therein is in the form of an obligation or whether the law simply provides consequences for the information not being in writing. (3) The provisions of this article do not apply to the following: [...]. Article 7. Signature (1) Where the law requires a signature of a person, that requirement is met in relation to a data message if: 5

15 (a) a method is used to identify that person and to indicate that person s approval of the information contained in the data message; and (b) that method is as reliable as was appropriate for the purpose for which the data message was generated or communicated, in the light of all the circumstances, including any relevant agreement. (2) Paragraph (1) applies whether the requirement therein is in the form of an obligation or whether the law simply provides consequences for the absence of a signature. (3) The provisions of this article do not apply to the following: [...]. Article 8. Original (1) Where the law requires information to be presented or retained in its original form, that requirement is met by a data message if: (a) there exists a reliable assurance as to the integrity of the information from the time when it was first generated in its final form, as a data message or otherwise; and (b) where it is required that information be presented, that information is capable of being displayed to the person to whom it is to be presented. (2) Paragraph (1) applies whether the requirement therein is in the form of an obligation or whether the law simply provides consequences for the information not being presented or retained in its original form. (3) For the purposes of subparagraph (a) of paragraph (1): (a) the criteria for assessing integrity shall be whether the information has remained complete and unaltered, apart from the addition of any endorsement and any change which arises in the normal course of communication, storage and display; and (b) the standard of reliability required shall be assessed in the light of the purpose for which the information was generated and in the light of all the relevant circumstances. (4) The provisions of this article do not apply to the following: [...]. 6

16 Article 9. Admissibility and evidential weight of data messages (1) In any legal proceedings, nothing in the application of the rules of evidence shall apply so as to deny the admissibility of a data message in evidence: (a) on the sole ground that it is a data message; or, (b) if it is the best evidence that the person adducing it could reasonably be expected to obtain, on the grounds that it is not in its original form. (2) Information in the form of a data message shall be given due evidential weight. In assessing the evidential weight of a data message, regard shall be had to the reliability of the manner in which the data message was generated, stored or communicated, to the reliability of the manner in which the integrity of the information was maintained, to the manner in which its originator was identified, and to any other relevant factor. Article 10. Retention of data messages (1) Where the law requires that certain documents, records or information be retained, that requirement is met by retaining data messages, provided that the following conditions are satisfied: (a) the information contained therein is accessible so as to be usable for subsequent reference; and (b) the data message is retained in the format in which it was generated, sent or received, or in a format which can be demonstrated to represent accurately the information generated, sent or received; and (c) such information, if any, is retained as enables the identification of the origin and destination of a data message and the date and time when it was sent or received. (2) An obligation to retain documents, records or information in accordance with paragraph (1) does not extend to any information the sole purpose of which is to enable the message to be sent or received. (3) A person may satisfy the requirement referred to in paragraph (1) by using the services of any other person, provided that the conditions set forth in subparagraphs (a), (b) and (c) of paragraph (1) are met. 7

17 CHAPTER III. COMMUNICATION OF DATA MESSAGES Article 11. Formation and validity of contracts (1) In the context of contract formation, unless otherwise agreed by the parties, an offer and the acceptance of an offer may be expressed by means of data messages. Where a data message is used in the formation of a contract, that contract shall not be denied validity or enforceability on the sole ground that a data message was used for that purpose. (2) The provisions of this article do not apply to the following: [...]. Article 12. Recognition by parties of data messages (1) As between the originator and the addressee of a data message, a declaration of will or other statement shall not be denied legal effect, validity or enforceability solely on the grounds that it is in the form of a data message. (2) The provisions of this article do not apply to the following: [...]. Article 13. Attribution of data messages (1) A data message is that of the originator if it was sent by the originator itself. (2) As between the originator and the addressee, a data message is deemed to be that of the originator if it was sent: (a) by a person who had the authority to act on behalf of the originator in respect of that data message; or (b) by an information system programmed by, or on behalf of, the originator to operate automatically. (3) As between the originator and the addressee, an addressee is entitled to regard a data message as being that of the originator, and to act on that assumption, if: 8

18 (a) in order to ascertain whether the data message was that of the originator, the addressee properly applied a procedure previously agreed to by the originator for that purpose; or (b) the data message as received by the addressee resulted from the actions of a person whose relationship with the originator or with any agent of the originator enabled that person to gain access to a method used by the originator to identify data messages as its own. (4) Paragraph (3) does not apply: (a) as of the time when the addressee has both received notice from the originator that the data message is not that of the originator, and had reasonable time to act accordingly; or (b) in a case within paragraph (3)(b), at any time when the addressee knew or should have known, had it exercised reasonable care or used any agreed procedure, that the data message was not that of the originator. (5) Where a data message is that of the originator or is deemed to be that of the originator, or the addressee is entitled to act on that assumption, then, as between the originator and the addressee, the addressee is entitled to regard the data message as received as being what the originator intended to send, and to act on that assumption. The addressee is not so entitled when it knew or should have known, had it exercised reasonable care or used any agreed procedure, that the transmission resulted in any error in the data message as received. (6) The addressee is entitled to regard each data message received as a separate data message and to act on that assumption, except to the extent that it duplicates another data message and the addressee knew or should have known, had it exercised reasonable care or used any agreed procedure, that the data message was a duplicate. Article 14. Acknowledgement of receipt (1) Paragraphs (2) to (4) of this article apply where, on or before sending a data message, or by means of that data message, the originator has requested or has agreed with the addressee that receipt of the data message be acknowledged. 9

19 (2) Where the originator has not agreed with the addressee that the acknowledgement be given in a particular form or by a particular method, an acknowledgement may be given by (a) any communication by the addressee, automated or otherwise, or (b) any conduct of the addressee sufficient to indicate to the originator that the data message has been received. (3) Where the originator has stated that the data message is conditional on receipt of the acknowledgement, the data message is treated as though it has never been sent, until the acknowledgement is received. (4) Where the originator has not stated that the data message is conditional on receipt of the acknowledgement, and the acknowledgement has not been received by the originator within the time specified or agreed or, if no time has been specified or agreed, within a reasonable time, the originator: (a) may give notice to the addressee stating that no acknowledgement has been received and specifying a reasonable time by which the acknowledgement must be received; and (b) if the acknowledgement is not received within the time specified in subparagraph (a), may, upon notice to the addressee, treat the data message as though it had never been sent, or exercise any other rights it may have. (5) Where the originator receives the addressee s acknowledgement of receipt, it is presumed that the related data message was received by the addressee. That presumption does not imply that the data message corresponds to the message received. (6) Where the received acknowledgement states that the related data message met technical requirements, either agreed upon or set forth in applicable standards, it is presumed that those requirements have been met. (7) Except in so far as it relates to the sending or receipt of the data message, this article is not intended to deal with the legal consequences that may flow either from that data message or from the acknowledgement of its receipt. 10

20 Article 15. Time and place of dispatch and receipt of data messages (1) Unless otherwise agreed between the originator and the addressee, the dispatch of a data message occurs when it enters an information system outside the control of the originator or of the person who sent the data message on behalf of the originator. (2) Unless otherwise agreed between the originator and the addressee, the time of receipt of a data message is determined as follows: (a) if the addressee has designated an information system for the purpose of receiving data messages, receipt occurs: (i) at the time when the data message enters the designated information system; or (ii) if the data message is sent to an information system of the addressee that is not the designated information system, at the time when the data message is retrieved by the addressee; (b) if the addressee has not designated an information system, receipt occurs when the data message enters an information system of the addressee. (3) Paragraph (2) applies notwithstanding that the place where the information system is located may be different from the place where the data message is deemed to be received under paragraph (4). (4) Unless otherwise agreed between the originator and the addressee, a data message is deemed to be dispatched at the place where the originator has its place of business, and is deemed to be received at the place where the addressee has its place of business. For the purposes of this paragraph: (a) if the originator or the addressee has more than one place of business, the place of business is that which has the closest relationship to the underlying transaction or, where there is no underlying transaction, the principal place of business; (b) if the originator or the addressee does not have a place of business, reference is to be made to its habitual residence. (5) The provisions of this article do not apply to the following: [...]. 11

21 Part two. Electronic commerce in specific areas CHAPTER I. CARRIAGE OF GOODS Article 16. Actions related to contracts of carriage of goods Without derogating from the provisions of part one of this Law, this chapter applies to any action in connection with, or in pursuance of, a contract of carriage of goods, including but not limited to: (a) (i) furnishing the marks, number, quantity or weight of goods; (ii) stating or declaring the nature or value of goods; (iii) issuing a receipt for goods; (iv) confirming that goods have been loaded; (b) (i) notifying a person of terms and conditions of the contract; (ii) giving instructions to a carrier; (c) (i) claiming delivery of goods; (ii) authorizing release of goods; (iii) giving notice of loss of, or damage to, goods; (d) giving any other notice or statement in connection with the performance of the contract; (e) undertaking to deliver goods to a named person or a person authorized to claim delivery; (f) granting, acquiring, renouncing, surrendering, transferring or negotiating rights in goods; (g) acquiring or transferring rights and obligations under the contract. Article 17. Transport documents (1) Subject to paragraph (3), where the law requires that any action referred to in article 16 be carried out in writing or by using a paper document, that requirement is met if the action is carried out by using one or more data messages. 12

22 (2) Paragraph (1) applies whether the requirement therein is in the form of an obligation or whether the law simply provides consequences for failing either to carry out the action in writing or to use a paper document. (3) If a right is to be granted to, or an obligation is to be acquired by, one person and no other person, and if the law requires that, in order to effect this, the right or obligation must be conveyed to that person by the transfer, or use of, a paper document, that requirement is met if the right or obligation is conveyed by using one or more data messages, provided that a reliable method is used to render such data message or messages unique. (4) For the purposes of paragraph (3), the standard of reliability required shall be assessed in the light of the purpose for which the right or obligation was conveyed and in the light of all the circumstances, including any relevant agreement. (5) Where one or more data messages are used to effect any action in subparagraphs (f) and (g) of article 16, no paper document used to effect any such action is valid unless the use of data messages has been terminated and replaced by the use of paper documents. A paper document issued in these circumstances shall contain a statement of such termination. The replacement of data messages by paper documents shall not affect the rights or obligations of the parties involved. (6) If a rule of law is compulsorily applicable to a contract of carriage of goods which is in, or is evidenced by, a paper document, that rule shall not be inapplicable to such a contract of carriage of goods which is evidenced by one or more data messages by reason of the fact that the contract is evidenced by such data message or messages instead of by a paper document. (7) The provisions of this article do not apply to the following: [...]. 13

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24 Guide to Enactment of the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce (1996) PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE 1. In preparing and adopting the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce (hereinafter referred to as the Model Law ), the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) was mindful that the Model Law would be a more effective tool for States modernizing their legislation if background and explanatory information would be provided to executive branches of Governments and legislators to assist them in using the Model Law. The Commission was also aware of the likelihood that the Model Law would be used in a number of States with limited familiarity with the type of communication techniques considered in the Model Law. This Guide, much of which is drawn from the travaux préparatoires of the Model Law, is also intended to be helpful to users of electronic means of communication as well as to scholars in that area. In the preparation of the Model Law, it was assumed that the draft Model Law would be accompanied by such a guide. For example, it was decided in respect of a number of issues not to settle them in the draft Model Law but to address them in the Guide so as to provide guidance to States enacting the draft Model Law. The information presented in this Guide is intended to explain why the provisions in the Model Law have been included as essential basic features of a statutory device designed to achieve the objectives of the Model Law. Such information might assist States also in considering which, if any, of the provisions of the Model Law might have to be varied to take into account particular national circumstances. 15

25 I. INTRODUCTION TO THE MODEL LAW 16 A. Objectives 2. The use of modern means of communication such as electronic mail and electronic data interchange (EDI) for the conduct of international trade transactions has been increasing rapidly and is expected to develop further as technical supports such as information highways and the INTERNET become more widely accessible. However, the communication of legally significant information in the form of paperless messages may be hindered by legal obstacles to the use of such messages, or by uncertainty as to their legal effect or validity. The purpose of the Model Law is to offer national legislators a set of internationally acceptable rules as to how a number of such legal obstacles may be removed, and how a more secure legal environment may be created for what has become known as electronic commerce. The principles expressed in the Model Law are also intended to be of use to individual users of electronic commerce in the drafting of some of the contractual solutions that might be needed to overcome the legal obstacles to the increased use of electronic commerce. 3. The decision by UNCITRAL to formulate model legislation on electronic commerce was taken in response to the fact that in a number of countries the existing legislation governing communication and storage of information is inadequate or outdated because it does not contemplate the use of electronic commerce. In certain cases, existing legislation imposes or implies restrictions on the use of modern means of communication, for example by prescribing the use of written, signed or original documents. While a few countries have adopted specific provisions to deal with certain aspects of electronic commerce, there exists no legislation dealing with electronic commerce as a whole. This may result in uncertainty as to the legal nature and validity of information presented in a form other than a traditional paper document. Moreover, while sound laws and practices are necessary in all countries where the use of EDI and electronic mail is becoming widespread, this need is also felt in many countries with respect to such communication techniques as telecopy and telex. 4. The Model Law may also help to remedy disadvantages that stem from the fact that inadequate legislation at the national level creates obstacles to international trade, a significant amount of which is linked to the use of modern communication techniques. Disparities among,